Walking in Sardinia

Name: Walking in Sardinia
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.2 (61 reviews)

61 reviews

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

Discover one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean

Sardinia is a natural marvel with crystalline waters, golden beaches and undulating limestone ridges. Based in the Dorgali area, we explore the forest-framed coastline of the east and rugged mountains in the west, walking through valleys, gorges, peaks and turquoise bays. The island is also a place of great historical interest. We explore some of it with a visit to monolithic monuments built by the Nuragic people, one of the most interesting prehistoric civilisations in the Mediterranean.

Key Information

Trip Code: TES
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Italy
Carbon Footprint: 19kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Il Querceto)
All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, one wine tasting and five dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip local taxes (approx. €10) are not included.

4 days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Approximately five to six hours per day

Terrain:

Low altitude; uneven paths with some steep ascents
Altitude maximum: 2,985ft (910m); average: 1,315ft (400m)

Day 2: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Day 3: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Day 6: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 7: 10 km / 6.2 miles

Highlights

Discover the most beautiful walking trails in Sardinia with a small group of like-minded adventurers
Hike (and maybe paddle) in Gorropu Gorge, the deepest natural gorge in Europe
Explore the large caves at Cala Luna, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean
Visit the mysterious Nuragic village of Tiscali
Enjoy Italian hospitality and excellent food at the family-run Hotel Il Querceto

Itinerary

First Destination: Dorgali
Next Destination: Dorgali

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Dorgali
Next Destination: Dorgali

Our week begins at Hotel Il Quercieto in Dorgali, a Sardinian hill town known for its mountainous scenery and close proximity to the coast.

Around 6pm, say ciao to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over our first group dinner.

Want more time in Sardinia? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Dinner

We start with an orientation walk, talking an old path that winds around Monte Tului (3,005ft/916m) and offers some of the best views of the Gulf of Orosei to one side, and the mountainous interior around Dorgali on the other. The walk should take around five hours.

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy sweeping views on a drive above the Flumineddu Valley, before arriving at Gorropu Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Europe. Its narrow, vertical walls reach 1,640ft (500m), making it the deepest natural gorge in Europe. Appreciate all its glory on our walk, which takes around six hours. There is a chance to paddle in the river, if conditions allow. This evening, there is the opportunity to enjoy dinner in a restaurant in Dorgali centre – payable locally.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Today we learn more about the Nuragic people, considered the most accomplished yet mysterious civilisation in the Mediterranean. We start with a drive to the Giants Tomb, a megalithic grave site from the Bronze Age, before visiting the Serra Orrios archaeological complex, home to a fascinating collection of stone hut ruins.

We then have time for a quick coffee stop before driving to Cala Orsala. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, surrounded by rocks, pinewoods and lush Mediterranean scrub. We have lunch on the beach (weather permitting). Next up is a visit to the Grotta Ispinigoli, a cave home to the longest stalactite-stalagmite column in Europe. We finish the day in style, heading to a winery (cantina) for a tasting and short talk about the local wines.

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is free to explore the archaeological sites of the Dorgali region, take an optional self-guided walk or simply relax by the beach and enjoy the leisurely Sardinian lifestyle. Horse riding can also be arranged (the price and all details to be agreed locally with the hotel). Alternatively, take an optional boat trip to the Bue Marino Grotto (weather permitting).

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast

Today we visit the mysterious Nuragic village of Tiscali – not much is known about its origins, nor the people who lived there. It seems to have been populated before the Nuragic era but archaeologists put its main period of activity between the second and first centuries BCE. The dwellings are virtually invisible until you are at the vast cavity in which they are built. This has led some to postulate that people returned here to hide from the Romans.

We also visit Su Gologone, described as a natural masterpiece, where karst has been sculpted by rushing water as it exits the gorge. The water is tinged green or blue, depending on the angle of the sun, and an astonishing 130 gallons (500 litres) of water per second comes crashing out of the chasm into this mini oasis.

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start the day with a boat trip to Cala Luna, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Here there will be time to explore the large caves and, as this is a popular spot for rock climbing, we may get to see some enthusiasts put their skills to the test. The walk back to Cala Gonone taks us through a vast forest and along deep gulleys, with occasional views of the coast. At the end of the walk at Cala Gonone we will have time for a very welcome drink and the opportunity for a swim before we return to Dorgali.

Accommodation:Hotel Il Quercieto
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our Sardinia trip comes to an end after breakfast. Say a fond farewell to Hotel Il Quercieto, before beginning your return journey home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to extend your adventure and spend more time exploring Sardinia.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Hotel Il Querceto, a family-run hotel near Dorgali

Il Querceto is our host for this adventure in Sardinia. It’s run by a local family who have created a home-from-home feel and serve delicious, hearty meals.

Upgrade throughout your stay to a deluxe room with a terrace and a view – speak to your sales representative for more details.

The hotel itself is adorned with locally crafted wooden furniture and contemporary regional artwork while facilities include a bar, restaurant and terrace. We’ve found our groups tend to gather on the terrace with a drink before dinner, an ideal time to reminisce about the day’s adventures.

Additionally, the hotel, which is run on biomass, using wood which would otherwise be burned, is within walking distance of Dorgali, a small town specialising in crafts and ceramics, where there are shops, restaurants and bars. It’s also a 10 to 15-minute bus ride to the beach, home to a string of restaurants and cafes.

Essential Information

This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

This is a moderate walking week with free time to relax and enjoy the excellent local food and wine. All walks take around five to six hours and require a good level of fitness. Walking is on a variety of dirt tracks, gravel and paved routes. There are also rocky sections that may require scrambling; in less visited areas, paths may be overgrown and rougher underfoot. Expect a few steep ascents and descents. The maximum altitude is 2,985ft (910m), with an average of 1,315ft (400m).

If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to call us. Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the group’s pace.

Summer temperatures in Italy can be quite high. In very hot weather, it may be necessary to amend the itinerary.

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Il Quercieto, Via Lamarmora 4, 08022, Dorgali
Phone: +39 041 5384485
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Olbia Airport (OLB)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately just over an hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way
From Olbia, it is possible to reach Dorgali by public transport, which will cost approximately €20. Please check the Olbia Airport website for bus times. A taxi will cost about €140.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Flights from London, UK

We normally use the scheduled services of EasyJet or Meridiana (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly, we recommend you call your sales representative to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.

Due to EasyJet’s booking system, we can only purchase flights six months before your departure date. If you book your trip before this date, a booking confirmation will be sent to you advising that flights are subject to confirmation. We will then secure the flights as soon as they become available. In the case that flights are not available at the original budgeted cost once they are released for sale, a flight supplement will be charged. If the supplement exceeds 10 percent of the original holiday price, you will be given the right to cancel.

Please note that many destinations now require Advanced Passenger Information (API), such as your passport number, date of birth and nationality, to be added to your booking before departure. When booking Easyjet flights through Exodus your sales consultant will do this for you.

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

All breakfasts, five lunches and five evening meals are included. In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on each day.

Breakfast: Buffet including cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit and cold meats.
Lunch: Paninis (filled with cold meats/cheese), cake and fruit.
Evening meal: Three-course fixed menu with soup/salad for starters; meat/fish for main course and local dessert.

Popular Sardinian specialities include roast suckling pig, excellent seafood dishes, and local wines, such as vermentino, nuragus, cannonau and monica. Mirto, which is made from the leaves of the myrtle plant, is Sardinia’s after-dinner liqueur.

Although meals mostly consist of meat/fish, the hotel staff endeavour to meet specific dietary requirements. Please advise us before departure so the hotel has sufficient time to prepare.

Dorgali has a Mediterranean climate, usually warm in spring and autumn, with hot, dry summers. April, May, September and October are also warm with average daytime temperatures around 20C (68F). Rain is unlikely but possible throughout the year.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Reviews

Add new review

Hannah Henry

Added September 2025

Beautiful island and lovely hotel

The island is beautiful, the locals are friendly and the hikes are amazing. The hotel itself is surrounded by mountains, the rooms are lovely and the family who runs the hotel are really kind.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from the top of Mt Tiscali is breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was friendly and accommodating.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Need a good sense of balance given the amount of walking over unstable terrain (dried up river beds and scree).

Melissa Hammond

Added June 2025

Beautiful Trip

To experience a part of Italy which feels still relatively untouched is truly special. We were often walking without seeing anyone else! The Scenery is beautiful and these walks offer a variety of coastal, forest and mountain views. It was a moderate walk, you need to be in good fitness...

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day walk was spectacular. The coastal views, the blue of the sea! The beach on that walk is beautiful and the boat journey is lovely. The Stalactite caves visited are also mesmerising, unexpected and very impressive!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Leader Michele was very experienced, knew the area well and gave us guidance on the slightly more technical areas. He also helped us plan our free day with information on buses and nearby towns as well as optional extra walks. He was very happy, warm and engaging with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking distances are for the official path trails, you might do a town walk, a cafe or shop detour which can add a little more on so if checking if you are capable for the distances, allow for a little extra. Take swimming stuff, the beach on the last day is beautiful and there is also a nearby beach for your free day. The town is small and the supermarket is small, dont expect to be able to buy much take what you need! Take atleast 1 pole and good boots are needed.

Melanie Smout

Added May 2025

Perfect week

The trip was a perfect balance of hiking and culture . The hotel is good and run by a lovely family who are actively involved and who want to ensure you have a good experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day hiking was particularly good and included a boat ride. It was a really pretty coastal hike, much of it is through forest. There was a good mix of terrain. The beach was beautiful and so interesting with the caves. We had time for a refreshing sea swim.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele is up there with the best guides I have met. He was engaging, informative and funny. He was helpful when it came to advice on our free time and at advising us on the planned days. He spent time getting to know us all and made sure we were all coping and comfortable. You can tell how much he loves his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotel and other restaurants we visited catered well for anyone with dietary requirements, and the food was always delicious. I recommend going to the Shepherds dinner which is an optional extra. It was one of the highlights. I think the moderate/level 3 rating for the trip is right. I hike and run a lot so had no difficulty but the hills will stretch some people not used to the terrain or heat. However the reward for any effort needed is the beautiful scenery.

John Kaminer

Added June 2024

Great leader,great group.

I think everyone really enjoyed exploring Sardinia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony did a wonderful job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like hiking and excellent Italian food, try Sardinia.

Agostino D'Agostino

Added May 2024

An all round fantastic experience.

An excellent located hotel for all trips within the itinerary, offering very good vegetarian options, and a complimentary glass of wine with all evening meals. The walks were challenging however they were graded correctly. The views were fantastic, and our leader was attentive to all individual needs of the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many inspiring moments to mention. However the walk to Tiscali was amazing. And the fresh seasonal fruit (lemon, cherries and loquots) grown by the hotel, which was offered for breakfast was brilliant. The hotel owners were open, honest and great listeners.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader (Tony Sardo) was attentive to all individuals needs, and changed the itinerary positively to suit weather conditions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good quality walking boots/shoes essential.

Suggestions

A positive Wow!

Liz Herrick

Added May 2024

Fantastic

Varied walks some quite technical but as long as you are fit they are great. Also cultural activities so a good mix.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bouldering

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was brilliant. Great fun caring super knowledge of area and historical sites visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of up hill rocky climbing so be prepared to be challenged!

Suggestions

Sardinia a lovely island stunning mountain scenery. Hotel chosen by Exodus excellent.

Maggie Holmes

Added May 2023

A fantastic adventure!

This was my first Exodus trip in many years - and what a trip. So much more than I expected - walking, swimming, history, culture, food, wine and super company. We packed a great deal into seven days - some high intensity days of climbing/walking up and down the mountains...

Most Inspirational Moment

I stood at the top of the mountain after a long climb of around 2,000 feet and looked across the amazing landscape of valleys, gorges, rivers - green and vibrant. I never thought I would make it to the top - but I did and it was a deeply rewarding experience which will stay with me for a very long time. It has given me the confidence to book more trips - with Exodus of course!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was an inspirational and motivation group leader. He made each and everyone of us feel welcome and included. He was keen to understand what we as individuals wanted from the trip and built the itinerary around that and the weather - which can be variable in Sardinia. He shared his extensive knowledge of the island and the culture so we got a real insight into the place and its people. He had clearly built a good relationship with local people over the years and was keen that we, as travellers, appreciated their environment. Most of all he gave me the confidence to tackle challenging walks and it was a rewarding experience. Go Michele!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Three pieces of advice: Ensure you are fit enough to undertake some challenging walks. The trip is rated 3 moderate but it felt more like a 4 at times particularly on some tricky screen and mountain paths. The coming down is as difficult as the ascent so you need to train in advance - as advised by the website. Take the proper equipment with you including walking poles - you might think you can manage without but they make a huge difference on difficult paths.Bring wet weather gear - the weather can change dramatically and suddenly. Finally go with the flow - this is an authentic experience in a family run hotel - just enjoy it and be grateful the island isn't full of Premier Inns and other chain hotels

Suggestions

The trip was everything I thought it would be - and more. I was stunned by the beauty of Sardinia, an island I had not previously visited. The scenery is beautiful but the beaches are amazing and deserve their world class recognition. I will definitely do a return trip. This Exodus trip is great value for money considering everything which is included.

Martin Rollason

Added May 2023

Walking in Sardinia

This was an excellent holiday. It is set in a good location with testing but not too strenuous walks. There is considerable variety to the walks - from walking on cliffs, hills etc to walking in a gorge. There are often stunning sea views. The location is also set in...

Most Inspirational Moment

Witnessing the way the group leader was able to help members of the group to improve their confidence on walking on tricky terrain. Excellent wine tasting - the best I have experienced on an Exodus holiday (and there have been a few)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Knowledgeable about the area. Attentive to all members of the group - didn't seem to have particular favourites. Ensured that we were able to carry out our walking safely. Was able to re-organise the order of the planned activities to cater for inclement weather which would have made one of the walks impossible on the originally scheduled day. Enthusiastic about selling the virtues of walking and cycling holidays.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Well worth a go. This is an excellent holiday in a less well known location. There is a good variety to the walks and generally nice scenery.

Suggestions

The holiday cost includes most of the meals, entries to UNESCO sites etc - so there are few extras to pay for over and above what is covered in the basic price.

Elizabeth Leeming

Added May 2023

Beautiful Sardinia

This was one of the best trips I've done. I fell in love with Sardinia. It's a beautiful, unspoilt island with lovely coastal beaches and soaring mountains.. April is the perfect month to go. The weather was good and the country was lush and green. Some lovely flowers along our...

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved our walk in Canyon Gorropu. We visited the cave called Grotto Ispinigoli which was amazing, although I only viewed it from above. On the final day we took a boat from Cala Gonone to some caves and then climbed up on to the cliff top. This was a lovely walk with beautiful views down to the sea. One day we went to Orosei where we had lunch on the beach. There was nobody else about and it felt like paradise. Lots of inspiring moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We couldn't have had a better group leader. Michele was the best!! He was very knowledgeable about the country and shared this with us. He was fun and joined in with the group. I struggled a couple of times on the walks because I am not good with heights but he was encouraging and supportive, he helped me to overcome my fears, as did other members of the group. He made the trip enjoyable and interesting. BGLE!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely do this trip! Go to see Giovanni at the gelataria in Dorgali. His ice cream is the best! April is a great month to visit Sardinia.

Suggestions

Thank you Exodus, Michele and my fellow travellers for an amazing trip!

M D

Added April 2023

Brilliant week

Sardinia - what a beautiful Island! Golden sandy beaches, wooded valleys and gorges and warm blue sea. Hotel was simple but spotlessly clean and there was always plenty of good food to be had. Dorgali Town was sleepy while we were there but we were early in the season. Very...

Most Inspirational Moment

Clambering into the gorge over rocks and boulders. Great fun and makes you realise how small you truly are. There was also a fantastic cameraderie within the group and so much fun and laughter along the way. This makes a holiday great as much as the fantastic scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was brilliant. Always smiling, thoughtful and one of the best leaders I have encountered, always going the extra mile. Shared his time with everyone and became an integral part of the group with his good humour and laughter. By his hard work we could just relax, laugh and enjoy ourselves. Anyone who can talk a bunch of hikers into a spontaneous Sardinian folk dancing lesson whilst waiting for the bus to arrive must be good! Thank you for making it such a special week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring walking poles as they are very helpful over the rough terrain and don't make the mistake of ordering 2 sandwiches for lunch because they are huge!!!

Suggestions

Brilliant trip that I think we will all remember for a very long time

Read all reviews

Walking in Sardinia

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

Discover one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean

Key Information

What's Included

Don't Forget To

4 days of Walking & Trekking

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Hotel Il Querceto, a family-run hotel near Dorgali

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Flights from London, UK

Italy

Reviews

Beautiful island and lovely hotel

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beautiful Trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perfect week

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great leader,great group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

An all round fantastic experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Fantastic

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

A fantastic adventure!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Walking in Sardinia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Beautiful Sardinia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Brilliant week

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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